Bethan Turner from Middlesbrough is a hugely talented portrait artist and a long-term member of The Sequal Trust. She is on the autistic spectrum and first joined us back in 2000 when she was just 9 years old. By working hard to raise funds we were able to provide her with a computer that helped her express herself and she believes it also aided in her success as an artist, by providing a means to develop her artistic flair.

Bethan’s portraits are extremely unique, and her speciality is painting portraits of her favourite film, sport, music and TV stars on a collage background, giving them texture and a 3D-like appearance. The collages she creates are extremely creative, using items and materials relevant to the public figure she is painting, including anything from bottle tops, records or newspaper cuttings to name but a few!

We’ve kept in touch with Bethan ever since 2000 and even replaced her computer later down the line once it was past its best. Now with her own studio, website and dedicated Etsy shop, she still pays thanks to The Sequal Trust, citing us as a huge catalyst in her success. We’re always pleased when we receive a drawing or painting from her and Bethan’s mother also believes that without our help, she may not have been able to progress as far as she has done.

The portraits have been attracting a huge following on social media and not just from us! Even some of her muses have tweeted to express their love of Bethan’s art. She was even lucky enough to meet her most recent inspiration; Jay McGuiness from boy band ‘The Wanted’, who said that he thinks her style, is ‘amazing’. But Jay isn’t the only celeb who is star-struck by her work, also following her are; Strictly champion’s Karen Clifton and Natalie Lowe, West End Performer Jessica Martin and Olympic Gymnast Louis Smith.

Bethan is a shining example of everything that we at The Sequal Trust stand for. Every day she proves that with the right communication provisions you can achieve your dreams and her lively mind was set free thanks to the communication device we provided. If you would like to see some of Bethan’s work, visit her website. Or, if you’ve been inspired by her story and would like to donate to us or learn more about what The Sequal Trust does, visit our website.